For most everyone, they have had to battle dandelions at one time or another, dreading the yellow heads and stubbornness that they bring.  Looking out over a beautifully manicured lawn dotted with dandelions is frustrating, to say the least.  However, while most of use views these weeds as pests, you might want to think again.

For example, did you know that dandelions are actually more nutritious and healthy than spinach or broccoli?  Did you know that these “weeds” contain a higher level of cancer-fighting beta-carotene than what you would find in carrots?  Additionally, were you aware that dandelions are a high source of iron, magnesium, calcium, thiamine, potassium, lecithin, and fiber?  All of this is true, which means that perhaps we need to look at these weeds differently.

Interestingly every part of the dandelion to include the roots, flowers, and leaves are edible.  For instance, you could take the tender, young leaves and mix them with cooked greens, in salads, baked dishes, or even gravies.  All you need to do is pick the young leaves before you see any flowers bud.  If you wait, then the leaves will have a bitter taste.

For the actual flower part, these can be used as well but you want to remove any green parts and the stem to eliminate a bitter taste.  When that has been done, the flowers can be fried in batter, cooked in muffins and breads, and boiled to make homemade jelly.  Finally, the roots of the dandelion should be harvested in the fall and winter.  Once these roots are cleaned, they can be roasted and ground.  With an earthy, coffee flavor containing no caffeine, they make a great base for both hot and cold drinks.

Other interesting facts about these weeds include the following:

• If you check the ingredients of many popular weight-loss products, organic vitamin supplements, and herbal teas, you will see that one of the ingredients is dandelion greens

• In the United States alone, dandelion greens used in the marketplace generates millions of dollars annually

• Of all the coffee substitutes made from roasted dandelion roots, 55 tons are sold in Canada, Australia, and England each year

• One in every four cookbooks in the United States incorporates dandelions

• Hogs, deer, poultry, silkworms, gerbils, and purple finches love eating dandelions

• If you immerse a cup of dandelion leaves in one pint of water, bring it to a boil, and then allow it to cool, you can make liquid fertilizer.  All you have to do is strain the liquid and then use four parts of water to dilute it.  If you want to use this to spray on leaves, simply add one teaspoon of mild dish soap.